Jury Reaches Verdict In Shooting That Killed Long Island Father

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Roy Johnson, who was accused of shooting and killing the father of a Marist College student visiting during a parents' weekend, was found guilty of murder Friday by a jury.

Johnson was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Paul Kutz, 53, of East Northport, Dutchess County Chief Assistant District Attorney Matthew A. Weishaupt said. Johnson shot Kutz at the Courtyard by Marriott in the town of Poughkeepsie Oct. 2, authorities said.

He was also convicted of three counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree reckless endangerment. Johnson was acquitted of an attempted murder charge related to a worker in the Bistro area of the hotel lobby.

Kutz was attending a family weekend celebration at Marist, where one of his sons was going to school.

The trial took two weeks, and the jury deliberated for about a day and a half before reaching a verdict.

"The Kutz family has been devastated in a way that we cannot comprehend nor change, but we hope this verdict will in some small way provide the family with the ability to move forward," Weishaupt said. "The family remains in our prayers."

Kutz's funeral was held Oct. 10, 2022, at St. Anthony Of Padua Church in East Northport. Hundreds gathered to mourn the husband and father of three. He is survived by his wife, Nathalie, and three sons, Matt, Ryan, and Sean.

A eulogy, given by Andrew Kutz, Paul's brother, brought tears to many in the church.

"To know Paul was to love him," Andrew said, adding that Paul was his best friend.

A GoFundMe raised more than $104K for the Kutz family.

Johnson was sent to the Dutchess County Jail without bail to await sentencing June 26. He faces 40 years to life in prison on the charges.

Weishaupt said that the facts of the case speak for themselves and the district attorney’s office will recommend the maximum penalty allowed by law.

Johnson still faces felony murder and robbery charges in the Aug. 9 murder of Darren J. Villani in the city of Poughkeepsie.